“This is democracy’s day,” President Biden said to open his inauguration address. “A day of history and hope of renewal and resolve through a crucible for the ages.”
When President Biden went to the podium after addressing his speech, he assured the American people that we all will come together in unity. His address comes after a year where over 400,000 Americans lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide major Black Lives Matter protests occurring over the summer and even the storming of the Capitol on January 6.
However, President Trump in his last speech stated “we will be back,” after pursuing legal challenges as a result of his loss in the 2020 election. Yet, while Trump has reshaped the federal judiciary, established the Space Force, allowed for tax reform through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, established the First Step Act and even killing the leader of ISIS, there were also many flawed actions he has made over the course of his presidency including his failure to control the COVID-19pandemic, which in turn shattered the economy and caused thousands across the country to lose their jobs.
He has put children into cages at the border and has withdrawn the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal in the Middle East in 2018, causing tensions to arise in foreign policy. Trump has even put democracy in danger, as some experts view his ideas to be facsist, comparing him to dictators like Benito Mussolini.
President Biden’s inauguration address has provided a sense of comfort to the American people, a sense of peace and comfort to a nation destroyed by hate, racism and even a global pandemic. He presents his speech in a way where we, as Americans, are and should be dedicated to helping our country grow and recover from the past year.
President Biden is a driven yet professional example of someone who is invested in this country. From his speech, I could tell he was determined to lead the country with dignity and compassion, no matter if you agree with him or not.
“Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit,” Biden said. “And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.”
Biden proved in his inauguration address that America is a strong, resilient nation. A nation that will have its moments of scrutiny but in the end will come together. We are a nation under God, above all, and Biden emphasizes in the closing parts of his speech the promises he made when he swore into office.
“I will defend the Constitution. I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America and I will give all, all of you, keep everything you–I do in your service, thinking not of power but of possibilities, not of personal interest but the public good,” President Biden said as he concluded his address. “And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness.”
President Biden’s inauguration address definitely became one of the most interesting inauguration addresses in American history, but more importantly, it showed that he clearly cares for the nation and its future.
Whether you agree with him or not, we could see a great many changes to come in the next four years.
Jackie Kasner
Reporter